Aldean wins big at ACAs

"It's been a helluva year," said Aldean in thanking the crowd for the album award.

Aldean also won Album of the Year for "My Kinda Party," Single of the Year: Vocal Collaboration and Music Video: Duo, Group or Collaboration with Kelly Clarkson for Don't You Wanna Stay. Aldean won another award for Touring Act of the Year.

Toby Keith, who usually doesn't fare so well at awards shows, also was bestowed a big honor, Artist of the Decade. He sang Red Solo Cup to end the night.

Brad Paisley scored with the Male Artist of the Year award.

Carrie Underwood won song of the year by a female artist for Mama's Song. Underwood took the honor over Miranda Lambert, Reba McEntire, Sara Evans and Taylor Swift. Underwood also won Music Video of the Year by a Female artist for the same song and female artist.

Underwood thanked "God for giving country music the best fans in the world."

Chris Young won Breakthrough Artist of the Year and Single of the Year" for his hit Voices. Prior to accepting the honor, he sang the song. Like Underwood, he also thanked the fnas. "You guys are why we're up here," he said.

Blake Shelton took home the video of the year by a male artist for "takes Music Video by a female for Who Are You When I'm Not Looking. He dedicated the award to his father, who was back home in Oklahoma, enduring "a rough couple of weeks," according to Shelton.

Scotty McCreery won the Best New Artist award and then performed The Trouble With Girls, his hit single. "This is my first award. It's a dadgum Telecaster," said McCreery before thanking Jesus and American Idol.

Thompson Square took home Single of Year by a group as well as for new artist for You Gonna Kiss Me Or What? "This is the first time we've ever won anything," said Keifer Thompson, one half of the husband-and-wife duo. They also won video of theyear by a group or duo.

Pistol Annies played their first single Hell on Heels. Others performing included The Band Perry and Eli Young Band.

Fans vote on the awards, which could be why almost every artist thanked the fans in taking their awards. The show was hosted by Trace Adkins and Kristen Chenoweth, who joked back and forth throughout the night.